Ravindra of Kaltha village chose the path of self-employment by cultivating flowers

Ravindra from the Gohar region found a path to self-reliance through his interest in agriculture and his initiative to move beyond traditional farming. His flower farming venture not only generates an annual income of lakhs of rupees but also provides employment to local villagers. This success is largely due to the effective implementation of state government incentive schemes.

Ravindra Kumar, a resident of Kaltha village in the Gohar sub-division, initially followed traditional farming methods like his ancestors. However, his keen interest in farming led him to consult with the Horticulture Department to modernize his practices. The department recommended he start flower farming using polyhouse technology.

In 2017-18, under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, Ravindra began cultivating carnation flowers in a 1250 sq meter polyhouse. Encouraged by a good harvest and favorable market prices, he expanded his polyhouse to an additional 500 sq meters under the Himachal Pushpa Kranti scheme. Currently, he cultivates carnations on approximately 1750 sq meters of land.

The Himachal Pushpa Revolution Scheme provides farmers with training in polyhouse technology to grow high-value flowers year-round. It also promotes the use of greenhouses and shed net houses for flower cultivation, enabling farmers to produce flowers that meet national and international market demands. Additionally, the scheme offers a 25% discount on bus fencing for flower transport and an 85% subsidy on solar fencing to protect farms from stray animals.

Under the Himachal Pushpa Kranti Scheme, farmers receive an 85% subsidy for polyhouse construction, with only 15% of the cost borne by the farmer. The Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, a centrally sponsored plan, supports the overall development of the horticulture sector by providing a 50% contribution to flower farming. The Prime Minister Farmers Scheme offers an 80% subsidy for drip irrigation systems used in flower cultivation.

The Horticulture Department provided Ravindra Kumar with Rs 12.50 lakh for polyhouse construction and a Rs 4.52 lakh subsidy for carnation flower planting. Under the Himachal Pushpa Kranti Scheme, he received Rs 6.50 lakh as an 85% subsidy and Rs 1.50 lakh as a 50% subsidy for flower planting.

Ravindra Kumar sends his carnation flowers to cities like Chandigarh and Delhi, earning an annual income of 11 to 12 lakhs. His success in flower cultivation has made him self-sufficient and created employment for four to five villagers who assist with flower pruning and packing. He encourages locals to take advantage of these government schemes to achieve self-sufficiency in farming.